MARTINI traces vermouth's historical journey
The company MARTINI has detailed the historical origins of vermouth, a fortified wine aperitif that emerged in Turin in the late 18th century.
MARTINI, the well-known Italian beverage brand, has shared insights into the historical evolution of vermouth, one of its foundational products. Current EU regulations define 'vermouth' as a product at least 75% wine-based, with added sugar, fortified, and aromatized with botanicals. The name 'vermouth' itself derives from the German word 'wermouth', referring to 'Artemisia Absinthium', commonly known as wormwood.
The drink originated in Turin, Italy, in the late 18th century, and has become globally synonymous with the Italian 'aperitivo' experience. Its history is intertwined with ancient wine culture, where wine was frequently mixed with herbs and resins to enhance palatability and moderate its strong character. These early flavoring techniques, practiced by civilizations around the Mediterranean, saw a decline in the West after the fall of the Roman Empire but were preserved and developed further East.
Re-emerging in Italy starting in the 12th century, the tradition of aromatizing wines gained momentum. By the mid-18th century, wormwood-infused wine, or 'wermouth', arrived in Turin. Favorable local conditions for growing grapes and aromatic herbs, coupled with expertise in winemaking, allowed Turin's producers to develop distinct versions, leading to the creation of "Vermouth of Turin." The MARTINI brand was established in 1863 by Alessandro Martini, Teofilo Sola, and Luigi Rossi, significantly contributing to the drink's subsequent global popularity.
Since 1865, MARTINI & ROSSI has been recognized for its product quality, accumulating over 500 awards, including more than 150 gold medals. The company highlights this long-standing history of international acclaim for its beverages.